Welcome to Visitor Guide Welcome to Contents Christmas Island About Christmas Island Introduction ...... 4 The locals ...... 5 Christmas Island is a natural wonder — a remote tropical island famous Climate ...... 5 for its unique red crabs and their spectacular annual migration from Currency ...... 5 the rainforest to the sea. It is also one of the world’s truly magnificent Visitor Information Centre ...... 6 seabird breeding sites – a birdwatcher’s paradise. Flights ...... 6 Two thirds of the island is national park. Majestic rainforests, bountiful Accommodation ...... 6 marine life and stunning land and seascapes make it a nature lover’s Tours ...... 6 dream. Eating and shopping ...... 6 You’ll find a range of inspirational nature-based activities here, from Phone and Internet ...... 7 scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing to forest and coastal walks. Take Getting around ...... 7 time to explore the fascinating Chinese, Malay and early European Hire cars ...... 7 heritage and enjoy some wonderful Asian and Western cuisine. Yachts ...... 7 Cultural events ...... 7 Information Christmas Island history A brief history ...... 8 Christmas Island map Tourist map ...... 10 Christmas Island Tourism Association and Visitor Information Centre Christmas Island National Park About the park ...... 12 Gaze Road, Settlement Geology ...... 12 Tel: + 61 (0)8 9164 8382 Plants ...... 12 Email: [email protected] Major vegetation types ...... 13 www.christmas.net.au Getting around Birds ...... 14 Crabs ...... 16 Christmas Island National Park Park headquarters: Drumsite Red crabs ...... 18 Tel : +61 (0)8 9164 8700 Marine life ...... 20 Email: [email protected] Turtles ...... 21 www.parksaustralia.gov.au/christmas Wonderful ...... 21 National Park staff at work In general ...... 22 Christmas Island Police (Australian Federal Police) Weeds ...... 22 Emergency Tel: 000 Rehabilitation ...... 23 Enquiries Tel: +61 (0)8 9164 8444 Walks Inside the national park ...... 24 Hospital and ambulance Outside the national park ...... 26 The Territories Health Services Other places of interest ...... 27 Tel: +61 (0)8 9164 8333 Suggested itineraries ...... 28 Ambulance Tel: 000 Safety Information ...... 36

2 3 About Christmas Island 1570km

Singapore 1350km

Indonesia

Cocos (Keeling) 985km Christmas Island Islands

2950km 2600km

Australia

Perth

Territory Day park lookout over Flying Fish Cove photo: ©Michael Seebeck The locals Much of our island’s appeal lies in its rich mix of cultures. Depending on the timing of your visit, it may coincide with one of the many cultural celebrations that occur throughout the year. A population of some 2000 people includes many Chinese and Malay Australians as well as people from About mainland . English is the official language but many people also speak Bahasa Malay or one or more Chinese dialects. The Malay community is Muslim, worshipping at the Mosque in the Kampong at Flying Fish Cove. Members of the Chinese community follow a variety of religious beliefs including Buddhism, Christianity and Christmas Island Confucianism. There are a number of temples, shrines and Christian churches around the island. This Australian territory lies far out in the Indian Ocean, 2,600 Climate kilometres northwest of and 500 kilometres south of the Christmas Island has a tropical equatorial climate, with wet and dry seasons. It’s warm all year round, so Indonesian capital, . The island is some 135 square kilometres pack light! The wet season extends from around December to April – so bring a rain jacket. in area, with 73 kilometres of rugged limestone coastline fringed by Temperatures vary little from month to month - an average high of around 28°C in April and an average low a narrow coral reef that drops away steeply, sometimes vertically, of around 22°C in August. Humidity ranges from 80 to 90 per cent year-round but is generally lowest during the middle of the year. to the ocean depths. Christmas Island National Park covers two thirds of the island and includes a spectacular and environmentally Currency significant marine area. Australian currency is legal tender. There is a branch of the Westpac Bank on the island. 4 5 About Christmas Island Visitor Information Centre Phone and internet access The Christmas Island Tourism Association (CITA) operates a There is STD and international access to the Australian mainland. A Visitor Information Centre opposite the supermarket in Gaze public telephone is located at the Post Office in Settlement. Road in Settlement. Make this your first stop for information on A Telstra 2G GSM mobile phone service operates on the island, but activities, facilities and special events. there are currently no data services. An internet café is available at Here you’ll find a gift shop, internet café, a booking service, and the Visitor Information Centre and many hotels have WIFI access for friendly staff who will do what it takes to ensure you have a great their guests. WIFI hotspots are also available in other areas of town. holiday. Please ask the Visitor Information Centre for further details. Global roaming for phone and text services is available for international Flights carriers with roaming agreements in place with Telstra. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for the latest flight informationor visit: Getting around www.christmas.net.au/getting-here/flights.html A network of roads and tracks provides access to many places on the A short flight away are the stunning Cocos Keeling Islands. Why island. Other places are reached by marked walking trails. See the map on pages 10 - 11 and a guide to walks on pages 24 - 27. not extend your trip and explore these tranquil coral atolls? Christmas Island Visitor centre photo: © CITA Many roads are 4WD only and many sections are steep and narrow Accommodation and become slippery when wet. Some island roads are closed during Christmas Island offers a choice of accommodation ranging from the red crab migration. For your own safety and to protect crabs, boutique hotel rooms and luxury self contained accommodation particularly robber crabs and the red crabs during their migration, to lodge style properties. You will enjoy ocean views from many please drive slowly on the island’s roads. properties and experience the personalised service that comes Do not drive into mining fields and be aware that heavy mining only with smaller operations. machinery also uses the roads. CITA can provide you with further information and arrange Hire cars bookings – or you can view the accommodation options at: www.christmas.net.au/accommodation/accommodation.html 2WDs and 4WDs are available for hire from a number of companies. For detailed information contact the Visitor Information Centre. Tours Yachts Tour operators offer a range of tours and recreationalopportunities The Port of Christmas Island and the community welcome visiting on land and water. Dive charter operators will help you discover yachts mooring at Flying Fish Cove. For further information, contact the underwater wonders of the island’s fringing coral reef and the Christmas Island Tourism Association, or call in at the Visitor the precipitous drop-off. Fishing charters are available with Information Centre. experienced local fishermen as guides. Land tours offer a guided introduction to the island’s culture, history and Christmas Island Lion Dance photo: © CITA Christmas Island cultural events National Park. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for details With its diverse eclectic cultural mix, there always seems to be a celebration on tour operations and prices. of some description occurring on Christmas Island. The whole community joins in many events and the celebrations are vibrant and colourful affairs. Eating and shopping Visitors are always welcome to join in public festivities. Restaurants offer a variety of cuisines showcasing the cultural In addition to the usual Australian public holidays, cultural events include mix that is Christmas Island. You can also pick up souvenirs, local the Muslim festival Hari Raya Puasa, marking the end of the month-long craft, clothing, fishing gear, snorkelling equipment and general Ramadan fast; Hari Raya Haji, the festival of sacrifice; and Maulidurrasul merchandise, usually at near duty-free prices. Stores are located celebrating the birth of Mohammad. Vesak Day is the Buddhists’ holy day at the Kampong, Poon Saan, Drumsite, and at Temple Court and and the Deepavali celebration marks the Hindu Festival of Light. There are The Barracks on Gaze Road in Settlement. a host of Chinese celebrations including Chinese New Year; Hungry Ghost There are several picnic and barbecue venues around the Festival (held on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month to appease the island where you may cook for yourself or take a hamper. hungry ghosts that are unleashed from hell); and the Mooncake Festival, Supplies may be purchased at local stores or supermarkets. held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar when the Trading hours vary - contact the Visitor Information Centre moon is at its brightest. for up to date information. The birthdays of Chinese temple gods are also celebrated at the respective temples around the island. Please respect temples as places of worship. Actual dates for these celebrations vary from year to year, so call into the Visitor 6 Malay drummers photo: © Kee Seng Foo Information Centre for further information. 7 Christmas Island’s history History 25 December 1643 Captain William Mynors on the East Company vessel, the Royal Mary, sees ChrHistory and names the island on Christmas Day. 1688 Crew of Cygnet make the first recorded landing (probably at the Dales), sent by Behindi the laid-back multicultural ambience s English navigator William Dampier - they bring back water, timber and robber of Christmas Island today lies a fascinating and crabs. sometimes tturbulent history. m 1857 Crew of vessel Amethyst tries to explore the island, but are hampered by inland It was the discovery of phosphate in 1888 which was cliffs and dense jungle. to guide the island’s destiny for the next century. It’s a story of two men, George Clunies Ross and 1887 A party from British naval vessel HMS Egeria reach the summit of what is now John Murray, and theira quest to reap the rewards of Murray Hill, finding phosphate as predicted by Scottish naturalist, Dr John Murray, and in a nearly pure form. phosphate with an imported workforce of Chinese, photo: © CITA

Malays and Sikhs, who often endured appalling 6 June 1888 Great Britain annexes Christmas Island at urging of John Murray. conditions. The signss remain today of the island’s 1888 George Clunies-Ross, owner of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands sends his brother

WWII history including a restored gun emplacement. Andrew and a small party of Cocos Malay workers to form a settlement at Flying

You can also see signs of the Japanese invasion and Fish Cove to pre-empt any other claim to the Island’s resources.

occupation, whenI islanders and allied submarines

1891 Britain offers rivals Murray and Clunies Ross a joint phosphate lease for 99 years. successfully sabotaged the mine effort and hundreds

of islanders weres then shipped to Japanese prisoner 1897 The rival claimants are induced to form the Christmas Island Phosphate Company.

of war camps in . l 1898 200 Chinese labourers, eight European managers and five Sikh policemen arrive on

Britain took possession of the Island in the name island to make up workforce, supplemented by a small number of Malays. of Queena in 1888, but in 1946 it was 1900 First major shipment of phosphate. n placed under the jurisdiction of the New Colony of d . In 1958, Britain transferred sovereignty 1900 -1904 550 die from beri-beri, most of them Chinese. to Australia, and the island was made an Australian 1908 C.W. Andrews of the British Museum conducts a comprehensive study of the Territory. island’s natural history, following on from his earlier study in 1898. Crab migration 1915 photo: © CITA 1942 Japanese attack Norwegian phosphate ship in Flying Fish Cove; 50 Asian and Australian families evacuated to Perth. March 1942 -1945 900 Japanese troops invade and occupy Christmas Island, imprisoning remaining Europeans and hunting 1000 Malay and Chinese workers in the jungle. Islander sabotage and allied submarines lead to suspension of mining. In 1943, half the population is sent to prison camps in Indonesia when food runs low.

1949 Australia and New Zealand buy the Christmas Island Phosphate company and

Christmas Island is administered by the colony of Singapore. 1950s Population expands, with labour from Singapore, Malaya and Cocos and supervisor from Australia. 1 October 1958 On Territory Day, Christmas Island becomes an Australian territory after a payment of £2.8 million. 1970s Union of Christmas Island Workers formed to improve living and working conditions. 1977 First Government Conservator appointed after conflicts between mining and conservation.

1980 The first National Park declared over Egeria Point area.

1986 & 1989 Christmas Island National Park extended.

2006 A wave of unauthorised boat arrivals seeking asylum in Australia leads the Australian government to open an immigration reception and processing centre on a former phosphate lease in the island’s north west. 8 Early mine workers photo: © CITA 9 Christmas Island Map map

10 11 Christmas Island National Park Christmas Island National Park For nature lovers, Christmas Island National Park provides fantastic opportunities to observe unique plants and animals in their natural habitats. The park covers 85 square kilometres – about two-thirds of the island. As an isolated oceanic island, distant from other land masses, Christmas Island is home to a high proportion of endemic species – found nowhere else in the world. Several are endangered. The park protects significant ecosystems including much of the island’s uniquely structured rainforests and two wetlands of international importance, the Dales and Hosnies Springs. In and around the national park you’ll find a host of native sea and forest birds, unique fish, and land crabs – including tens of millions of red crabs, famous throughout the world for their spectacular annual breeding migration.

Rain forest photo: Wendy Vis For more information see: www.parksaustralia.gov.au/christmas Geological origins Christmas Island is the peak of a basalt volcanic seamount which rose steeply from the ocean floor about 60 million years ago. The highest point of the island is Murray Hill, which rises to 361m above sea level. The island’s emergence is a result of a series of geological uplifts Fern Tectaria devexa photo: © Christmas Island National Park over 10 or so million years. At each stage layers of coral reefs built up over the basalt core, leaving today an almost continuous limestone cap. The ocean eroded cliffs at each uplift, forming Major vegetation types the stepped terraces and inland cliffs of the island’s central On the island’s central plateau and terraces where soils are deep you’ll plateau. find stunning evergreen tall rainforest, with a closed uneven canopy Evidence of the island’s volcanic origins can be seen at The Dales around 40 m in height. Some trees emerge up to 10 m above the and at Dolly Beach — where the underlying volcanic basalt is canopy and it’s here that the endemic seabird Abbott’s booby nests. exposed. The trees are prolific with ferns and orchids, and on the ground you’ll see stands of young palms, ferns and lilies. The shallower soils of the slopes and terraces down to the coast - and Plants some plateau areas -support semi-deciduous forest, with smaller trees The influences of warm temperatures, high rainfall, isolation, fauna, (15-30 m) and thicker patches of young palms. Land crabs - particularly soil depths and types, and geological history have fused to develop tens of millions of red crabs - feed on understorey plants, giving the Christmas Island’s unique plant life. forest its bare understorey. The island is home to 242 native plant species, including 16 endemic Deciduous scrub survives on the steep slopes and inland cliffs with very species found nowhere else in the world. About half the island’s plants little soil. Here you’ll find deciduous trees, scrambling scrub and many are not found anywhere else in Australia. vines. On the more exposed areas between the scrub and coastal cliffs are patches of herbland, with prostrate herbs, sedges and grasses. Tree roots photo: © CITA 12 13 Birds Birds Christmas Island is one of the world’s truly spectacular tropical seabird rookeries. It’s not just the number and variety of seabirds or their magnificent splendour that make the island so remarkable, but also their sheer visibility. Around 80,000 seabirds nest here annually, with 23 breeding or resident species. Birds can be seen and heard everywhere on the island, at just about any time of the day. With little effort bird watchers can easily tick off a full list of residents in a busy week or a more relaxed fortnight — although the elusive Christmas Island hawk owl keeps many coming back.

More than 100 vagrant and migratory bird species have been recorded ↑ Male frigatebird photo: © Christmas Island National Park Golden Bosun photo: © Ian Montgomery here, including eight breeding seabird species and one subspecies. ↓ Abbott’s Booby photo: © CITA The most numerous is the wide-ranging red-footed booby, which nests in colonies in trees on many parts of the coastal shore terraces. You may see the endangered Christmas Island frigatebird soaring above Settlement – it’s the world’s rarest frigatebird and nests only on the island. The golden form of the white-tailed tropic bird is an endemic subspecies unique to Christmas Island. Known locally as the golden bosunbird, this stunning bird is graceful in flight and has been adopted as the island’s fauna emblem. The evergreen tall rainforests provide the world’s last remaining nesting habitat for the endangered seabird, Abbott’s booby – listen for its harsh guttural call. These birds nest exclusively in the branches of the trees that emerge above the forest canopy from which they fly out daily to their ocean feeding grounds. The rainforests are also alive with a variety of birds — including seven endemic species, the Christmas Island hawk owl, thrush, goshawk, emerald dove, imperial pigeon, glossy swiftlet and white eye, four of which are listed as threatened species. s isla Red footed Booby photo: © Alex Cearns a n Guest researcher Mark Holdsworth holding a goshawk photo: © CITA Listen for the inquisitive Christmas Island thrush whose melodious d

tm evening song lends a wonderful musical quality to the tropical, palm- k s

fringed sunsets. The Christmas Island imperial pigeon is another i r e characteristic sound of the forest – listen for its deep, booming call Bird’n’Nature Week h

as it forages amongst the forest canopy for ripe fruit. e c Join researchers and natural history experts in September for The island’s birds are very approachable, W a week-long immersion in Christmas Island’s wildlife! A host B making a birding trip to Christmas Island ir e of wildlife activities is on offer each year. You may havean an unforgettable experience. d ur opportunity to work with guides to study the nesting biology and 'n’ at foraging ecology of Christmas Island frigatebirds and red-tailed N tropicbirds. Or perhaps you can take part in a Christmas Island hawk owl survey or map the territory of the Island thrush. On For more info on birds ask for our bird offer are seabird identification workshops and nightly seminars . brochure or download our free Christmas Please don’t feed the birds showcasing seabird research, the status of the endemic landbirds, Island Birds app from the Itunes store. Wild birds find their own natural foods like insects, fish and the island’s marine and terrestrial ecology. and small animals. Eating other things can make them Contact the Visitor Information Centre for further details – sick and dependent on people for food. and if you can’t visit in September, ask to be put in touch with experienced bird watching guides.

Brown Booby photo: ©Ingo Arndt 14 15 Crabs Did you know? Crabs The extraordinary robber crabs Christmas Island is home to an amazing abundance and diversity of are the biggest land crustaceans land crabs, not matched anywhere else in the world. More than 20 on earth. Christmas Island has terrestrial and semi-terrestrial crab species have been found on the the world’s largest and best island. These include the tens of millions of endemic red crabs, the protected population of these endemic blue crabs that inhabit wetlands and the large robber crabs gentle giants – it is a major which you will often see in the forests and on the island’s roads. robber crab sanctuary. Robber crabs have exceptional climbing abilities. They earn Road to recovery for robber crabs the name robber crab as they From 2010 to 2012, more than 2,000 robber crabs were killed by will obsessively pick up and cart vehicles on island roads. National Park staff drive the roads regularly off any foreign items they may to locate the carcasses of these gentle giants as part of a study of come across and are well known the frequency and distribution of robber crab road kills. They record for stealing shiny objects such as the date, GPS coordinates and details such as sex and size, and pots and silverware from camps. paint a fluorescent pink circle with a cross to mark the fatality. It’s a Robber crabs are slow growing reminder to all road users to slow down and take care when driving. and there is strong evidence that You can help to avoid robber crab deaths. Please don’t attempt to they live to be more than 50 to drive over the crabs. If you see a robber crab on the road, check 70 years old. for other traffic and slow down, and if and when safe to do so, drive around them.

Robber crab photo: © Inger Vandyke Robber crab photo: © Max Orchard

Red hermit crab photo: © Max Orchard Yellow eyed crab photo: © Max Orchard

Blue crab . photo: © Max Orchard Grapsus crab photo: © Max Orchard Little Nipper crab photo: © Max Orchard Smooth handed ghost crab photo: © Max Orchard 16 17 Red crabs Did you know? Red crabs The beginning of the red crab Tens of millions of red land crabs live on the island. They are the migration is difficult to predict. It island’s keystone species, because they play a vital role recycling starts with the island’s wet season - nutrients and shaping and maintaining the structure of the rainforests. usually in October or November, but sometimes as late as December. The Each year at the beginning of the wet season (usually during October whole timing of the migration is also to November) most adult red crabs begin a remarkable migration to the coast to breed. It is one of the world’s natural spectacles, synchronised with the lunar cycle. It attracting national and international visitors alike. During thepeak seems that eggs must be fertilised at migration periods, it’s possible to walk amongst a moving sea of tens a crucial time, as the spawning date of thousands of red crabs - and if you’re lucky enough to time your visit (when the eggs are cast into the sea) right, you may witness the females releasing their eggs into the sea Red crab photo: © Max Orchard is fixed to a particular lunar phase: a (spawning) in the early morning. pre-dawn receding high tide during the last quarter of the moon. Likely Where to view the migration spawning dates are given each year Drumsite, Flying Fish Cove, Ethel Beach and Greta Beach are good on the Christmas Island Tourism places to see the migration. Flying Fish Cove and Ethel Beach are also Association and Parks Australia good places to watch female crabs spawn. websites. The Blowholes and Dales are magnificent places to view the migration after the crabs have made their way down to the shore terraces. The lower sections of the Dales and Blowholes roads are closed when there are large numbers of crabs on the road - but for those who are prepared to walk the distance, you will be rewarded by seeing thousands of crabs burrowing in the shore terrace forest. The walk is about 1.5 km return at the Dales and between 2- 4 km return at the Blowholes, depending on which of the two gates is closed for the migration. Look after our red crabs! Every year hundreds of thousands of red crabs are killed during their breeding migration. We’re doing our best to protect them by installing special crab crossings and bridges on some roads to allow them to Red crab migration photo: © Max Orchard Red crab spawning photo: © Ingo Arndt cross the road without encountering traffic. We also need to close some roads inside the park and we work with the local council to manage traffic and roads outside the park. Please help us reduce red crab deaths by obeying road closure and speed signs. Slow down and drive around the crabs if it’s safe to do so. During the migration, red crabs are mostly active early to mid morning and late afternoon until dark - unless it is overcast and raining, when they will move all day. If you can, avoid driving at these times. If you must drive during these times, try to clear red crabs off the road (carefully with a leaf rake) provided it is safe to do so.

Red crabs at dawn photo: © Ingo Arndt 18 photo: © Christmas Island National Park photo: © Tracy Wilson 19 Marine life Marine life Christmas Island’s narrow fringing reef supports bountiful marine life, including 88 coral species and more than 600 species of fish. It’s an underwater wonderland for divers, with clear warm waters, coral reefs and spectacular wall dives. Soft corals, feather stars and gorgonian corals grow along vast walls which plunge into a seemingly bottomless abyss. The fish community is distinctive because the island is a meeting place for Indian and Pacific Ocean fish species – it’s one of the few locations in the world where you’ll see Indian and Pacific Ocean fish swimming side by side. Some of these species interbreed to produce hybrids. Christmas Island has more hybrid fish than anywhere else in the world, making it a marine hybridisation zone of international significance. In addition to the hundreds of species of tropical fish, dolphins inhabit Whaleshark photo: © Linda Cash the island’s waters and whale sharks regularly visit during the wet season. Whale sharks generally first appear when the red crabs are spawning at the start of the wet season — they converge to supplement their plankton diet with crab larvae. Locations such as Flying Fish Cove, Ethel Beach, Dolly Beach, West White Beach, and Winifred Beach offer scuba divers and snorkellers a rewarding marine experience. At Flying Fish Cove and Ethel Beach shore diving is possible depending on the time of the year. There is excellent fishing, with sailfish, tuna and wahoo among some of the fish Turtles Batfish photo: © Udo Van Dongen to be caught. You’ll find boat ramps at Flying Fish Cove and Ethel Beach. At high tide under the cover of night green turtles may come ashore For more information – pick up our Fish brochure or download from to lay eggs at Greta and Dolly beaches. They use their hind flippers www.parksaustralia.gov.au/christmas. to excavate a chamber in the sand where they may lay more than 100 eggs. After 60 days or so turtle hatchlings emerge and scramble down Please take care to the sea. If you are lucky you may also see turtles while scuba diving During stormy weather, beaches are prone to large waves, strong rips or snorkelling at Flying Fish Cove. and undertows. No beach on the island is patrolled by lifesavers. Please use commonsense when swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling or wading at any beach on the island. Flying Fish Cove is considered the best and safest beach for these activities. Wonderful wetlands Christmas Island has two listed Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention: the Dales and Hosnies Spring. Both of these are within the national park. The Dales is a picturesque series of seven watercourses, three with permanent springs and permanent flowing water and four intermittent streams. Here you will find a diverse community of flora and fauna species. At Hugh’s Dale, and in sections of Anderson Dale, you’ll see tall stands of splendid Tahitian Chestnuts (Inocarpus fagifer), ribbon ferns growing in trees and endemic plants such as the arenga palm (Arenga listeri) and Ridley’s orchid (Brachypeza archytus). The Dales is significant habitat for endemic blue crabs, unique to the freshwater wetlands of Christmas Island, as well as red and robber crabs and endemic land birds. Hosnies Spring is an entire ecosystem growing in a freshwater spring 37 metres above sea level. The are the largest of their species ever seen with canopy heights 30-40 metres tall, and the stand is estimated to have persisted at the site for around 120,000 years. 20 Coral reef photo: © Justin Gilligan Hugh’s Dale waterfall photo: © CITA 21 National park staff at work Did you know? Crazy ants are one of the world’s most invasive species. National park They were introduced to Christmas Island somewhere between 1915 and 1934. They form high density colonies called ‘super-colonies’, which threaten the island’s iconic red crabs and the health of the rainforest. staff at work National park staff and researchers are leading the world in the effort to control these pests. They survey and With its endemic species, unique rainforests and wetlands, and intact map the ants spread and periodically undertake aerial marine habitats, Christmas Island’s natural environments are of baiting of supercolonies. Aerial baiting of crazy ants international significance. National Park staff work with researchers, was conducted in 2002, 2009 and 2011 and every two government agencies, the local council and the island community to years staff conduct the island wide survey to map crazy protect this fantastic natural environment for future generations. ants ‘super-colonies’ and estimate red crab populations Latrobe University is working with park staff to develop a way to control the scale insects which provide the ant’s Weeds major food source. If scale insects can be controlled this may reduce crazy ant populations. Like many oceanic islands, Christmas Island has many exotic plants, often accidentally introduced by ship and sometimes deliberately by settlers. You may see island residents collecting introduced food plants such as chilli, lime, papaya and pumpkin which are sometimes found in the island’s forests. One quarter of the island’s native vegetation has been cleared since settlement, making it easier for introduced plants to spread. Thankfully most of these species are not a threat to the island’s native species or intact rainforests.

Most introduced species have not yet invaded undisturbed rainforest Re planting photo: © Christmas Island National Park Crazy ants photo: © Christmas Island National Park vegetation – but managing weeds like Siam weed and false curry bush is a priority for national park staff to protect the habitats of native plants and animals. Did you know? Feral cats and rats are a threat to native species around the world – but especially on oceanic islands like Christmas Island. Here cats are known to prey on Rehabilitating native reptiles, ground nesting seabirds - including the golden bosun - flying foxes and forest birds. Rats eat the eggs of native wildlife particularly seabirds the rainforest and forest birds. Control of cats and rats is an Invasive species and human land use have impacted on the island’s ongoing challenge for the park and the shire. landscape and its ecosystems. In some areas, settlement and phosphate mining have removed the original tall evergreen rainforest - nesting habitat for the Abbott’s booby. To help restore the island’s rainforests, the national park is planting thousands of native trees on abandoned minefields adjacent to Abbott’s booby habitat. The good news is that native species such as red and robber crabs and forest birds are using these areas - and over time we hope to see an increase in Abbott’s booby populations. This work is funded by a conservation levy paid by Christmas Island Phosphates.

22 Abbott’s Booby photo: © Christmas Island National Park photo: © Christmas Island National Park Golden Bosun photo: © Ivan Choong 23 2WD Two Wheel Drive Walks

Four Wheel Drive West White Beach walking trail Easy walk 1.5 km | 1 hr each way (easy access or boardwalk) Walks There are a number of scenic drives leading to a series of walks in This 1.5 km marked trail meanders down through tall plateau and terrace Easy - moderate walk and outside the national park. Walking tracks range from short well (low uneven terrain) rainforest. It is a moderately difficult walk and includes a short descent developed tracks, such as to Hugh’s Dale, to some longer, less developed down a steep cliff using a rope towards the end of the walk. Walkers are Moderate - experienced walk and more rugged tracks, such as to Winifred Beach and West White advised to wear sturdy footwear and to carry drinking water. The beach (steep terrain) Beach. All of these tracks are marked with international standard has a stunning coral reef off the shore, with views of the north coast. A reflective directional arrows. great place for lunch. West White Beach photo: © Erica Harrison Inside the national park Winifred Beach walking trail 1.4 km | 30 min each way Margaret Knoll Lookout The vehicle track to Winifred beach is a rough but scenic drive mostly 2WD 100 m | 1 min each way though semi deciduous rainforests. It leads to a small car park, and on to a 1.4km marked walking trail through rugged terrace forest. The trail A short drive through plateau forest leads to a short walk of about 50 m reaches the coast via a steep staircase down the cliff face, leading to a from the car park and a short climb up a series of steps leads to Margaret rocky shore and small picturesque cove. Be careful near the water’s edge Knoll lookout. The lookout provides dramatic panoramic views of the due to wave surges and swell, rising tides and changing sea conditions. land and sea scapes of the east coast. Located at the edge of a high Seabirds, including brown boobies and white-tailed tropicbirds nest in inland cliff, it’s one of the better sites to observe seabirds including the area. frigatebirds, red footed and brown boobies and the golden bosun. Margaret Knoll lookout photo: © CITA Christmas Island flying foxes may also be observed from here in the late Winifred Beach photo: © Kee Seng Foo afternoon and early evening. Martin Point walk 400 m | 3 min each way Dolly Beach Martin Point is located in the Dales area. A short walk of 400m from the 1 km | 1 hr each way | 4WD and walking access car park leads to a viewing platform on the edge of the sea cliff, providing excellent views along the western coast — great for photographers! It From the car park, this is a leisurely walk of just over 1 km mostly on a is a peaceful place to watch the sun set over the sea and waves breaking boardwalk, through shore terrace forest to Dolly Beach. It is an isolated over the fringing reef and shore platforms. Red-footed boobies roost and picturesque sandy beach with a coral reef and a freshwater stream. and nest in the trees above and you may see brown boobies nesting on Robber crabs inhabit the area above the beach and turtles nest all year the sea cliffs. There is a picnic table on the viewing platform. Take care round here. Camping is permitted here under certain conditions but when driving in - there are generally red, blue and robber crabs on the please contact Christmas Island National Park on 08 9164 8700 if you track wish to camp. Please do not disturb the animals or their nests. Dolly Beach photo: © Allison Millcock Martin Point photo: © Ingo Arndt The Blowholes Perpendicular Wall walking trail 10 km | 2 hr each way 2WD 2WD part way only

The Perpendicular Wall trail is a long but flat wilderness walk starting The vehicle track to the Blowholes passes through stunning tall rainforest at Martin Point car park. You’ll pass through coastal terrace forests and you’ll usually see large numbers of red crabs. At the Blowholes, you with large numbers of red crabs and seabirds, including frigatebirds will find an elevated walkway at the car park with viewing platforms on and red footed boobies. This trail is fringed by spectacular inland cliffs the coastal terraces close to the sea cliff edge. Spectacular blowholes and rugged coastline. When you reach Perpendicular Wall you will be spray seawater high into the air when large swells pound against the rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the island’s northern shore cliffs and there are panoramic views of the rugged southern coastline. Take plenty of water and don’t forget to take your lunch! coastline. For your safety please remain on the viewing platform and do not attempt to go near the cliff edge or fish from it.

24 The Blowholes photo: Wendy Vis Perpendicular wall photo: © Julie Graham 25 Walks | Other places of interest The Dales walking trails Greta Beach

2WD 2WD part way only 300 m 15 min each way | The Dales is one of Christmas Island’s iconic sites and one of the few A short walk of about 300 m from a car park followed by a climb down places with permanent flowing water and stunning wet areas, providing a steep staircase at the top of a sea cliff leads to Greta Beach, located significant habitat for endemic blue crabs and impressive stands of on the east coast. There is a viewing site at the top of the staircase that Tahitian chestnut trees. The drive through the Dales leads through provides views over the beach and to the sea if you do not wish to walk rainforest to a scenic and tranquil area, which has two walking trails down the staircase. starting from the Dales 4WD car park. The first is mostly a boardwalk Tahitian Chestnut Photo ©Holger Rumpff Turtles nest all year round on this beach. High numbers of red crabs Greta Beach photo: Wendy Vis leading to Hugh’s Dale Waterfall which is 1 km (each way) from the car spawn here during the annual migration and a short section of the park. Signage along the trail offers information on the island’s plants vehicle track may be closed during the migration. Please do not disturb and animals. the animals or their nests. For the adventurous, a second trail leads on from Hugh’s Dale for about 800 m to Anderson’s Dale, a small gorge with a small stream that flows to the sea. If you venture to Anderson’s Dale please keep away from the shoreline and be wary of sea conditions as large waves are common Other places of interest along this coast. Flying Fish Cove Hugh’s Dale Waterfall An easily accessible swimming, snorkelling and diving location. There 1.5 km | 30 min each way are picnic facilities, barbecues, public toilets and a sandy beach. The island’s main boat launching ramp is located here. Anderson’s Dale Tai Jin House Waterfall photo: ©CITA 3.6 km 1 hr each way Flying Fish Cove photo: ©Tan Hoek Hui | Located just up the hill beyond Flying Fish Cove, this is the original home of the Resident Magistrate, and later the Administrator of the Island – it’s affectionately known locally as “Buck House”. The expansive gardens are used for community events and provide excellent views over Flying Outside the national park Fish Cove. A little way past Tai Jin House is the navy’s restored 1941 gun Territory Day Park nature trail emplacement and buildings from WWII. 2WD 1 km | 1 hr each way A small museum is located at Tai Jin House. Contact the Visitor Information Centre for opening hours. This walking trail leads from Territory Day Park to Taj Jin House. The trail gives you a chance to explore and experience Christmas Island’s unique The Grotto rainforests as well as visit historical sites at Taj Jin House. Approximately five minutes drive from Settlement located just before At the Territory Day Park there are picnic, barbecue and playground the entrance to the golf course, this cave with a sea and fresh water pool facilities and a lookout which offers spectacular views over Flying Fish is refreshing on hot days or a romantic spot with candles at night. Terrritory Day Park lookout photo: ©Tierney Tai Jin House photo: © CITA Cove. Christmas Island Golf Club Golf course lookout The nine hole course and clubhouse is located in a scenic setting on the north-east coast and visitors are welcome. Clubs can be hired at the 1 km | 10 min each way Visitor Information Centre. A short but rugged and steep walk from a radio tower at the phosphate South Point (2WD access) hill area of the island’s north east. It leads down to a cliff perched The site of extensive phosphate mining, this spot offers an expansive view above the golf course, passing a historic Chinese cemetery on the over the Smithson’s Bight from the cliff top at the South Point temple. way. The site provides spectacular views of the island’s north east It is a great place to visit around sunset. Frigatebirds and boobies may coast and is a great place to watch red footed boobies, frigatebirds be seen soaring below in the wind. There are two Chinese temples in and golden bosuns as they soar past you. Please keep away from the the area which visitors are welcome to visit, but please respect them cliff edge. as places of worship. The now unused South Point railway station is an interesting historical site with a view over the southern coastline. 26 Golf course lookout photo: © CITA The Grotto photo: ©Michael Seebeck 27 Suggested itineraries Suggested itineraries Add a day Add a day Add a day Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Morning Morning Full day Morning Morning Full day Walking Tour of Settlement, Drive to Territory Day Park, Drive to Greta and Dolly Drive to Lily Beach, and Enjoy some birdwatching Pack a picnic lunch, then taking in the and complete the Territory Beaches, enjoying the trek walk along the Boardwalk to from the Golf Course drive to Winifred Beach Christmas Island Exhibition Day Park Nature Trail – through the Rainforest to Ethel Beach. Lookout. (tide dependant) or West at Tai Jin House, and the consider extending the walk Dolly – pack a picnic lunch. Take your swimmers and Afternoon White Beach, and walk Historical Trail (supporting to include the Smith Point Return via Margaret Knoll. enjoy a paddle in the the nature trail to the Drive to the Dales and walk brochures available at the Walking Trail. shallows. coast – depending on sea Visitor Information Centre). to Anderson’s Dale, via conditions enjoy a snorkel Afternoon Afternoon Hugh’s Dale. Afternoon at either Winifred or West Drive to the Grotto and Mar Drive to South Point, taking Finish the afternoon with a White Beach. Drive to the Blowholes via Chor Nui Nui Temple, finish in the historic railway snorkel at Flying Fish Cove. the North South Baseline, the afternoon with a snorkel station, temple and stay for then the East West Baseline and barbecue at Flying Fish the sunset. Continue to Hugh’s Dale Cove. finishing at Martin Point for a spectacular sunset.

Add two or more days: Add some sports – play golf, go scuba diving, go deep sea fishing, go snorkelling.

28 29 Advertising

The Sunset has a perfect location with ocean frontage. VQ3 Lodge is one street back from the ocean with views from the superior rooms on the upper level. Both hotels are only a short walk from taverns, cafes, supermarket, restaurants and the island’s main shopping area in Settlement. Unwind with a soothing swim in The Sunset’s private pool. All rooms have an en-suite, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, complimentary WIFI, tea & coffee making facilities, microwave, TV, toaster & bar fridge. VQ3 Lodge has a communal kitchen & laundry facilities for the use of all guests from both properties. Guests of VQ3 Lodge are welcome to use the swimming pool and BBQ facilities at The Sunset.

The Sunset & VQ3 Lodge

P: +61(0) 8 9164 7500 F: +61(0) 8 9164 7400 M: +61(0) 439 21 5500 www.sunset.cx www.vq3lodge.cx

30 31 © Inger Vandyke

The Christmas Island Resort is a retreat that surrounds guests in the island’s tranquillity and unspoilt natural beauty. Staying Night Activities Rates start from $285 per night for the Deluxe Karaoke more than just crabs, birds and marine life ... Room or $570 per night for the Executive Suite. Each Wednesday and Friday nights, The Eco Adventures Pte Ltd Availability is strictly limited, so please book in Christmas Island Resort Bar hosts Karaoke 317 Outram Road advance. #02-61 Concorde Shopping Centre where everyone is welcome to test their singing Singapore 169075 Dining talents or just come along to enjoy the friendly +65.6538.4441 Christmas atmosphere. Serving a combination of Western, Italian, [email protected] Nightclub ISLAND Asian and Fusion cuisine, the Waterfall The CI Resort Nightclub is open every Saturday atmosphere to suit any occasion. night from 10:00PM hosting both local and Perth DJ’s blasting your favourite tunes until Breakfast 6:00 - 9:00AM (Monday to Friday) the late night. Entry is free to all, but valid ID is 6:00 - 9:00AM (Weekends) required for entry (18+). Dinner 6:00 - 9:00PM (Monday to Sunday) Friday Pizza night. For enquiries and bookings, Sunday Don’t miss out on our famous or visit Waterfall Restaurant every Sunday Ph: (08) 9164 8888 from 6:00PM. www.ciresort.com.au Bookings can be made on Ph (08) 9164 8888. Adults: $35PP, Children $17PP.

Contact: Lin or Hama

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32 33 Experience all that Christmas Island has

help you get the most out of your visit to our island

Private and specialised tour itineraries and group tour co-ordination options available upon request. For enquiries or to make a booking please contact: E: [email protected] T: +61 8 9164 7475 | M: + 61 (0) 439 215 667 www.indianoceanexperiences.com.au

CHRISTMAS ISLAND WA 6798 Licensed Post Office Photos courtesy CITA Servicing the local community with: Bill payment Postpak packaging Banking & financial services CHrIsTmAs IslAnd! Stationery - Office and School We are the only dedicated travel wholesaler in Australia Prepaid mobile phones recharge cards offering affordable and value for money holiday Stamps and stamp collecting products Gift ideas and greeting cards plus much more packages to Christmas Island. Our friendly and Post office boxes for rent (if available) knowledgeable consultants will work with you to

create a memorable holiday for you! Opening Hours 8:00am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday (except Wed.) Flights n Accommodation n Vehicle Hire 9:00am to 5:00pm Wednesday n Travel Insurance A wide selection of Island tours 9:00am to 1:00pm Saturday Tailor made packages to suit your requirements are also available! Incoming mail to Christmas Island arrives once a week, it will be available after being cleared by For reservations and more information, please contact: Customs & Quarantine Officers. T: 08.9322 9561 Toll Free: 1300 884 855 412 Place E: [email protected] Christmas Island Australia 6798 www.islandexplorer.com.au T: 9164 8495 | F: 9164 8494 34 35

Safety Info: Protecting the don’t risk your life national park Please take extra care when you’re visiting natural areas The national park is established and managed – we want you to have a great time and return home under the Environment Protection and safely. Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Act and its Regulations set out rules for what can It is easy to become lost in the rainforest so and can’t be done in the national park. keep to walking tracks and roads. So to help protect the park please:

• Keep to vehicle roads and tracks and Walk with another person and tell walking tracks someone where you are going and when you expect to return. • Camping is not allowed in the national park except at Dolly Beach, which Carry plenty of drinking water requires a walk from the car park of about 1.5 km each way. If you wish to camp at Dolly Beach please contact national park Headquarters on When bushwalking wear sturdy shoes, Ph: 08 9164 8700 a hat, sunscreen and loose and light breathable clothing. • Do not feed or disturb wildlife • Do not light fires The sea cliffs and inland cliffs on Christmas Island can be very treacherous so please • Do not spear fish in the park. The keep away from cliff edges and do not national park boundary extends 50 m venture on to rock platforms on the from the low water mark of the land shoreline areas of the park. Please use commonsense when swimming • All land crabs on Christmas Island are or wading at any beach – they can be protected so please drive safely to subject to large waves and swell, strong avoid killing crabs. It is an offence to rips and undertows. No beach on the island recklessly or deliberately kill crabs or is patrolled by lifesavers. Swimming from interfere with wildlife. beaches is only recommended at Flying Fish Cove under calm sea conditions

Obey all safety directions, notices and warning signs.

Some roads in and out of the national park are 4WD only and many sections are steep and narrow and become slippery when wet. Drive carefully and slowly. Take extra For further information about the island’s natural environment see care when driving during wet periods, during the red crab migration or when www.environment.gov.au/parks/christmas/index.html robber crabs are out on roads and tracks.